Active Games are fun, engaging, and interactive activities designed to get students physically moving in the classroom. They provide opportunities for physical activity, collaboration, and problem-solving, while simultaneously reinforcing academic content. These games could include a range of activities from simple movement-based tasks to more complex games which integrate subject learning with physical activity. This strategy is intended to reduce student boredom and distraction, increase on-task time, and improve student concentration and motivation.
Active Games can be used at the beginning of any lesson or at any time when your class needs a brain break. Physical activity can have a positive impact on the brain and can improve cognition, mood, attention and academic achievement in students.
Establish a Safe Space: First, ensure the classroom space is safe and conducive to movement. Desks should be well spaced or easily movable, the floor should be clear of obstacles, and if possible, any sharp corners should be padded or made safe in another manner.
Choose Appropriate Games: Select active games that fit your students' age and ability levels, as well as the space available. These games can be either subject-specific (such as Math Tag, where students have to solve math problems to avoid being 'it') or more general (like Simon Says, which works on listening skills).
Explain the Rules Clearly: Before starting a game, clearly explain the rules and expectations. Make sure students understand the objective, the rules of the game, and any safety precautions they should take.
Participate or Supervise: Depending on the game, the teacher can either participate or supervise. It's important for the teacher to be actively involved, either by playing along or by providing guidance and support.
Incorporate Learning Objectives: If possible, incorporate the lesson's learning objectives into the game. This could mean posing questions related to the current topic during the game, or using the game as a metaphor to explain complex concepts.
Debrief: After the game, have a quick debriefing session where students can reflect on what they learned or how the game related to the day's lesson.
Provide Feedback and Adjust: Give students feedback on their performance in the game. Adjust future games based on the experiences and outcomes of the games played.
For Teachers:
Increased Engagement: Active games can make learning more interesting and interactive, increasing student engagement.
Improved Behavior: These games can help manage behavior by burning off excess energy and reducing restlessness.
Enhanced Teaching Options: Active games offer an alternative way to teach concepts and skills, which can be especially beneficial for kinesthetic learners.
Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle: Active games encourage physical activity, which can contribute to promoting a healthy lifestyle among students.
For Students:
Improved Concentration: Physical activity can improve students' focus and concentration, helping them to stay on-task during lessons.
Increased Motivation: Fun and engaging games can increase students' motivation to participate and learn.
Better Understanding: Active games can help students to understand and retain complex concepts by engaging multiple senses and learning styles.
Improved Social Skills: These games often require teamwork and cooperation, which can help students improve their social and communication skills.
Enhanced Physical Health: Regular physical activity can have numerous health benefits, including better fitness, improved mood, and reduced risk of various health conditions.
